Hundreds turned out for annual walk to raise awareness for autism

Sep. 19—Sammy Rivera likes to wear wigs.

The wigs help the 7-year-old from Reading express himself, but he knows that he's not always accepted

"Everyday when the bus pulls up, Sam wears a wig," his mother, Susan, said Sunday morning. "They he turns around and says 'Here mommy, keep this safe,' because he knows he's not going to be accepted that way."

Sammy was the inspiration behind one of the largest teams to participate in the 18th annual autism awareness walk on Sunday at First Energy Stadium.

"Everyday he wears wigs to bring out whatever personality of the day," Susan said.

Sunday morning Sammy was sporting a pink bob wig for Sunday's walk because he liked the color.

When Susan asked if he was anyone special today, Sammy looked at her and said, "I'm you."

The Wonder Wigs were made up of 21 friends and family members, some from as far as Lock Haven, to walk around the stadium.

Printed on the team's shirts was a caricature of Sammy with a wig and the words, "Be Free, Be True, Be You."

"This is what I tell him everyday, to be you," Susan said.

The walk is the only fundraiser the Autism Society of Berks County holds to raise funds for services and programs such as yoga therapy, music therapy, social skill classes and family events, all offered free of charge, said Maureen Klahr, board president of the Autism Society of Berks County.

The society was formed in 2000 by parents whose children were diagnosed with autism and did not know what to do, Klahr said.

The annual walk, which did not take place last year because of the pandemic, is so much more than a fundraiser.

"This is the day that we celebrate the autism community," Klahr said. "It's a day for everybody to come in a safe environment to just be themselves. Judgment free. If someone has a meltdown, who cares? That's what it's all about. To me it's a celebration."

Susan was excited for Sunday's event because they have not be able to attend many of the organization's events due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

"It's just nice for them to see their friends like them in a judgment-free zone," Susan said.

"It takes a village," Susan said, shedding tears of happiness as she pointed out Sammy's first teachers, first day care teacher and grandparents who came out to show their support. "It's the support and the acceptance."

"I wanted him to see his support because he really doesn't get to see us all in one place," Susan said.

Sunday's walk was a success, Klahr said, as she estimated close to 500 people showed up.

"I didn't know if we were going to have 100 people or 1,000 people," she said. "It's good for our families. It just strengthens my heart that this happened."

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